THE Magpies struck late for the second weekend in a row to propel themselves right into the playoff conversation with a 1-0 win over Peterborough Sports at HQ, writes Alex Birch.
Knowing nothing but a win would be good enough against the mid-table Turbines, an unchanged Magpies line-up stuck to their task in a game littered with fouls and bookings.
The best chance of the first half, and the visitors only real chance of the game, came from the head of Mark Jones. The effort sailing wide of Matt Urwin’s far post when it could, and probably should, have burst the net.
At the other end Jack Sampson headed wide and Billy Whitehouse shot straight at away goalie Peter Crook. A frustrating first half ending with little between the sides.
Marco Rus battling for possession (Stefan Willoughby)
It was much the same in the second half, although with the added midfield drive of sub Will Tomlinson, Chorley looked the more likely to strike.
Mike Calveley headed over an Adam Blakeman corner, Harry Scarborough shouldered an effort wide and Sampson again went close with a header, but try as they might, the home side couldn’t find a way through.
Then, as the game entered injury time, Sports’ player/manager Michael Gash upended Tomlinson in the box, referee Darius Bradley pointed to the spot and Sampson calmly stepped forward to bury the penalty for his 11th of the season, leaving all to play on the final day of the season at Gloucester.
Chorley Urwin; Henley, Wilson (Scarborough, 69′), Leather (c), Whitehouse, Calveley, Sampson, Ustabaşı, Blakeman (Shenton, 82′), Johnson (Tomlinson, 46′), Rus. Subs not used: Smith, Nolan.
Peterborough Crook; Bazeley, R.Jones (c), Lawlor, Crawford, M.Jones (Gash, 81′), Jarvis, Kennedy, McCammon, Gyamfi (Sani, 89′). Subs not used: Elsom, Alban-Jones, Steele.
Man of the Match Billy Whitehouse
We’ve battled and scrapped and got what we deserved in the end. Two wins down, one to go and then we’ll see where we are. Massive credit to the lads once again for keeping going and not giving up – Andy Preece
HT 0-0
Goals (assists) Sampson 90’+1 (Tomlinson) | None
Cautions Johnson 20′, Scarborough 84′ | Bazeley 18′, R.Jones 41′, Kennedy 55′, Gyamfi 61′, M.Jones 79′, Jarvis 90’+2, Crook 90’+8
Dismissals None | None
Crowd 1,194
HT Draw 1st 02051 (£86) | 2nd 02757 (£52) | 3rd 02803 (43)
Golden Goal 90 minutes
Officials Darius Bradley | Jan Suchecki & Joe Moss
Next Up
The final day of the season – Gloucester City await at the TigerTurf Stadium. Tickets available online here priced £15/13 Adults, £12/10 Concessions & £1 children. Away travel options will be announced VERY soon; you don’t want to miss this one.
